The Farmer
"No, you're not listening! I need a prepaid cell phone. Not… these things!" Hazel gritted her teeth and gestured down to the multitude of bright blue JojaMart prepaid gift cards that were fanned across the countertop.
From the other side of his counter, Morris smiled. His grin was sharp and threatening, all bleached teeth and no gums. "JojaMart is always happy to hear feedback from a customer. Perhaps you would be more interested in our Premium Prepaid Gift Cards? They hold twice the amount of JojaMart redeemable points!"
"No. Seriously, I don't need a gift card. I need a-"
The dull, lifeless hum of the store was interrupted by a shrill chime, itself distorted by the store's cheap speakers. The sound pierced the ears of its listeners, and Hazel winced. Morris smiled on, unmoving. "Welcome shoppers," a pre-recorded voice cooed. "Thank you for choosing JojaMart! Today, we have a buy 10 get one 5% deal on JojaMart Sugar Blast cereal – now only 90% sugar! And don't forget to ask a sales associate about our-"
"Look," Hazel began, leaning in as close to the manager as she dared in an attempt to be heard over the loud announcement. She took a deep breath to steady herself. Morris reeked of cheap cologne. "I used to work for JojaCorp. I know the spiel. It's not going to work. I came here for one item and I'm not going to buy anything else, no matter what you recommend to me. I. Need. A. Cellphone. I couldn't find any in your store. I just need to know if you have any in the back."
Morris slid his tinted spectacles down his nose and locked eyes with her. Hazel could have sworn his irises shined crimson under the harsh overhead light, and she figured she would have wilted away under the intensity of his stare if she hadn't been used to such treatment from her previous job.
"So you're a member of the JojaCorp family!"
"Ex-member."
"Ah. I see. What a shame it is that you've left our organization! Well, it's as I say – 'Once you're in JojaCorp, you're always in JojaCorp!'" Morris tented his fingers. "Perhaps we can bring you back into the fold! Would you like to sign up for our rewards progra-"
"Cell. Phone." Hazel groaned. "You know what, just forget it."
Spinning on her heels, the farmer took a few steps towards the automatic door. Relief welled within her at the thought of leaving this damnable store. She would just have to find another way out, she decided. There was nothing for her here.
"Farmer, wait a moment." Hazel looked over her shoulder. Morris stood still as a statue – same unnerving grin, same tented fingers, same blood-red glare. "Unfortunately, we do not carry cell phones in our stock. However, I do have… connections. JoJaMart provides." Hazel did not move from her spot, but raised an eyebrow. The announcement had stopped, and the dull hum of the store returned. Somewhere in the back, Shane noisily restocked the shelves. "Though I wouldn't be able to perform such a feat for free, of course."
"How much?"
"No money," Morris purred. "A favor. That's all I ask. Now, come." He beckoned Hazel towards the counter with a crooked finger. "Let's make a deal."